Presenting himself as a warm family man, tested combat veteran, and dedicated public servant, John Kerry outlined his vision for the future under the banner of "Stronger at Home, Respected in the World." In the convention's climatic speech, the Massachusetts senator said the Kerry-Edwards ticket would increase troop numbers, reform the intelligence services and never ask the U.S. military to fight a war "without a plan to win the peace." "We can do better and we will. We're the optimists. For us, this is a country of the future," he said while formally accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.Full story | Blog, Day 4

NOTE: All Times Eastern and subject to change

4 p.m.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson called the final day of the convention to order, saying "I believe we are succeeding in spelling out our candidate's vision for an America that is strong at home and respected in the world."

"Sen. Kerry, your troops have reported for duty," Rep. Louise Slaughter announced as she took the convention stage along with dozens of other Congresswomen. Speaking on education, medical privacy, jobs, and balanced budget, Slaughter urged women to get out and vote. "We have the power to decide this next election."

8 p.m.

Former presidential hopeful and NATO Supreme Commander Gen. Wesley Clark praised John Kerry's qualifications as commander in chief and protector of the nation's safety, describing the Massachusetts senator as a "fighter." "He proved his physical courage under fire," Clark said. "He's proved his moral courage, too."

Telling the audience Democrats "are more united than anytime in the last 40 years," House minority leader Nancy Pelosi called on voters to remember the House of Representatives in November. "Our work will not be complete unless we elect a Democratic Congress."

John Kerry "will do whatever it takes to defend America whether others approve or not," Madeleine Albright told the convention crowd while outlining the Massachusetts senator's military experience and plan for defense abroad and at home. "Forty-four years ago ... I cast my first ballot to help put a courageous senator from Massachusetts into the White House," the former secretary of state said. "This fall, I look forward to repeating that experience."

John Kerry's family took the stage on the final night of the convention, giving the convention audience and the public a glimpse of the personal side of the presidential candidate. Kerry's stepsons, Chris and Andre Heinz, introduced his daughters, Alexandra and Vanessa Kerry. Family anecdotes and stories from childhood helped the sisters illustrate what they said were Kerry's great trust and integrity. "My father loves this country and is ready to lead it," Vanessa said.

 Standing on stage with crewmates from the Vietnam War days, Jim Rassman recounted how John Kerry saved his life during wartime. As part of an effort to illustrate Kerry's leadership abilities, Rassman told the crowd, "I've seen John Kerry in action. I know his character. I've witnessed his bravery and leadership under fire. And I know he will be a great commander in chief."
 Former Sen. Max Cleland, a veteran who lost two legs and an arm in the Vietnam War, told the convention how Kerry inspired him when he was first home from overseas and his abilities to lead the country. "When we make John Kerry our next president," he said. "he will put America back on the long and steady road toward the vision of the country we fought for -- a vision of the country we can become once again."

In one of the key speeches of his campaign and in front of the party faithful, John Kerry aimed at convincing crucial, swing voters that he could replace President Bush. He told the crowd that "wages are falling, health care cost are rising" and that when another Democrat -- former President Bill Clinton -- was in the White House, the budget was balanced, deficits were paid down and millions of jobs were created. "We can do better and we will. We're the optimists. For us, this is a country of the future," he said while formally accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.